Secrets for Busting Thru Post Menopausal Belly Fat?

[Stephanie_B]

ddj I had the same experience with high level dosages, although with lower level (like 5 mg) it's not as bad. I also don't do soy and IIRC the brand I use doesn't have soy (I know it's gluten, yeast free and something else I can't remember). But like when people take melatonin, they start really high too and the lower, the better or it can end up being really crappy going off.

[Vintage VFer]

Originally Posted by ddj

I'll toss in my experience with DHEA. If it works for you, great. But it did nothing for me except make my face break out. It's a product you want to be careful with. I'm not sure if it's a good idea to experiment with it on your own.

Now, that we have veered well past the "no supplement talk" guidelines, I'll chime in.

I strongly agree with ddj and Steph! Please consult a physician before messing with your hormones. DHEA can raise testosterone levels causing acne, facial hair, cholesterol elevation, etc. It is a precursor to all your hormones, including estrogen and thyroid. Be careful about just ambling into any vitamin store and grabbing a bottle of anything. Studies have shown that many brands don't contain the ingredients you think you are buying. And may have harmful or allergenic ingredients.

Just sayin.'

[Stephanie_B]

I also want to add my physician (functional medicine) is who started me regimen; not me. The only things I've added before talking with her have been Increased dosage of fish oil, which she agreed with at a followup visit.

[videofit]

Originally Posted by Vintage VFer

Please consult a physician before messing with your hormones. DHEA can raise testosterone levels causing acne, facial hair, cholesterol elevation, etc.

Yes, quite easy to tell when you've taken too much. When you take too much vitamin C or magnesium, you get diarrhea. So take less.

The DHEA I take doesn't contain soy. It may have been derived from soy like vitamin C may be derived from oranges, for example. I am hypothyroid and don't eat soy. No problems after decades of use.

I am very lucky to have a top rated Beverly Hills endocrinologist who has other doctors as patients, so I know I am in good hands. If you live in a small town with one doctor, you may be stuck.

[videofit]

Originally Posted by ddj

As for the calorie thing: I once carefully weighed and measured all of my food and got down to 900 calories a day. I knew it wasn't wise but I was desperate to lose weight. I did this for two months and lost nothing. I've done all kinds of diets and had no success.

Have you had an xray or MRI of your abdomen to make sure you don't have a tumor? I would be very concerned. Better safe than sorry.

Otherwise my guess would be because you were eating too few calories, you developed the distended belly you see on starving people in Third World countries.

[ddj]

Actually, my problem isn't my stomach, I've just gained a lot of weight. Although I'm sure that would be too few calories long term, I would think I would have lost weight initially. I have had difficulty with weight loss resistance most of my life and have only been able to get my weight down a time or two with no idea why I lost or why I eventually gained it back.

All I was trying to say was that not everyone will have the same results doing the same thing. I know it is frustrating to deal with weight gain and not be successful and I don't want anyone here getting too down on themselves. Easier said than done, I know.

[Lannette]

Some scary stuff. Scarier than a little belly fat.

[videofit]

Originally Posted by Lannette

Some scary stuff. Scarier than a little belly fat.

Seriously! My aunt thought she was just eating too much so had indigestion all the time but found out she had colon cancer and an abdomen riddled with tumors. Sadly, she went to the doctor a little too late. So never assume anything when it comes to your health.

[FitBoop]

Originally Posted by Vintage VFer

Now, that we have veered well past the "no supplement talk" guidelines, I'll chime in.

I strongly agree with ddj and Steph! Please consult a physician before messing with your hormones. DHEA can raise testosterone levels causing acne, facial hair, cholesterol elevation, etc. It is a precursor to all your hormones, including estrogen and thyroid. Be careful about just ambling into any vitamin store and grabbing a bottle of anything. Studies have shown that many brands don't contain the ingredients you think you are buying. And may have harmful or allergenic ingredients.

Just sayin.'

Good post, Alta.

[WWWendy]

Originally Posted by Vintage VFer

Be careful about just ambling into any vitamin store and grabbing a bottle of anything. Studies have shown that many brands don't contain the ingredients you think you are buying. And may have harmful or allergenic ingredients.

Sorry I didn't get to this earlier, but yes, Alta is right, and the unregulated nature of supplements is a major reason why I ask that dietary supplements not be discussed here.

I need to ask that everyone drop the supplement topic or I will have to close the thread.